The correlation between dietary fat quality indices and lipid profile with Atherogenic index of plasma in obese and non-obese volunteers: a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic case-control study

Nutritional Quality and Safety Assessment of Pork Meat Cuts from Romania: Fatty Acids and Elemental Profile

In this study, the fatty acids and elemental profiles of 53 pork cut samples were determined. To offer insights into their potential health implications, we computed 18 key nutritional indices. These indices included parameters such as saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), the MUFAs/SFAs ratio, PUFAs/SFAs ratio, atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), the hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H), health-promoting index (HPI), hypocholesterolemic index (HI), unsaturation index (UI), saturation index (SI), peroxidizability index (PI), nutritional value index (NVI), hypocholesterolemic index of fatty acids (DFAs), hypercholesterolemic index of fatty acids (OFAs), and the DFAs/OFAs ratio. These indices were calculated based on their fatty acid composition to provide comprehensive nutritional information. A health risk assessment revealed the safety and minimum health risk for the population from consuming the investigated pork cuts using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and target cancer risk (TR). The ANOVA test showed significant differences in the levels of K, Fe, Mn, Zn, MUFAs, and AI among the pork cut samples. It was noted that by employing the correlation between the fatty acids profile, nutritional indices, and elemental concentrations and an unsupervised statistical method, such as PCA, a perfect separation from the different pork cuts could not be obtained.

Lambs supplemented with Amazonian oilseed co-products: Meat quality and fatty acid profile

The Amazon has a wide variety of oilseeds that generate a huge amount of co-products with potential for use in animal nutrition. The objective was to use alternative resources (oilseed cakes) in the feeding of lambs to assign a sustainable destination to this biomass, and evaluate its influence on the quality and fatty acid (FA) profile of the meat. Twenty-four lambs, male, castrated, crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês, weighing 30 ± 1.3 kg of initial body weight, were distributed in a completely randomized design in 4 treatments (diets) with six replications (animals). The control diet (Control) contained corn and soybean meal as main ingredients, which were partially replaced in the other diets by cupuassu cake diet (Cup), palm kernel cake diet (Palm) and tucuma cake diet (Tuc). The inclusion of Amazon cakes influences the lipid (P = 0.02) and protein (P < 0.01) composition of meat (longissimus lumborum); reduces cooking losses (P < 0.01); influences the colors (L, a, b), chroma, and Hue Angle (P < 0.01); promotes changes in total FA composition and FA profile (P < 0.05); reduces hypocholesterolemic FA (h) (P = 0.01), but does not influence hypercholesterolemic (H) and indices h:H, AI and TI (P > 0.05). The inclusion of oilseed cakes influences the chemical composition, physical parameters, composition and fatty acid profile of the meat, but does not influence the indicators of atherogenicity, thrombogenicity and cholesterolemia.

Dietary carbohydrate quality index and cardio-metabolic risk factors

Introduction: Improving the quality of diet is known as one of the practical ways to reduce cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs). The carbohydrate quality index (CQI) is a relatively new index to evaluate diet quality. It is calculated based on the ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates, dietary fibre intake, glycemic index and the ratio of whole grains to total grains. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to investigate the association between dietary CQI and CMRFs. Methods: In this systematic review, some international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to July 2022, were searched according to appropriate keywords. All observational studies with an English full text assessing the association between the dietary CQI and CMRFs were included. Two researchers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the articles with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random/fixed-effect meta-analysis was used to pool standardized mean difference (SMD) as an effect size. Results: 11 studies with a total of 63962 subjects were found to be eligible and included in the qualitative synthesis; only BMI, WC and metabolic syndrome reached the threshold of 3 reports with the same effect size and thus only 5 were included in the meta-analysis. The main finding of the included studies was that there were inverse associations between CQI and CMRFs, mainly obesity, glucose metabolism indices, and blood pressure. In the five studies included in the random effect meta-analysis, the association between CQI and body mass index (SMD: 0.45, 95%CI: -0.12, 1.01), waist circumference (SMD: -0.09, 95%CI: -0.34, 0.15) and metabolic syndrome (SMD: 0.63, 95%CI: -0.01, 1.28) was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although the qualitative findings support the positive association of CQI with CMRFs, the evidence is insufficient to conclude robust findings. Further observational and interventional studies are needed to clearly elucidate this association.

Dietary fat types consumption association with obesity and coronary indices

This article aims to study the different dietary fat types associated with obesity and coronary indices. A sample of 491 healthy adults was included in a cross-sectional manner. Dietary fats intake, obesity indices (conicity index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI), and weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI)), and cardiovascular indices (cardiometabolic index (CMI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP)) were calculated and studied. Participants with an acceptable intake of omega-3 had a higher BRI score (1⋅90 ± 0⋅06 v. 1⋅70 ± 0⋅06). Participants with an unacceptable intake of cholesterol had a higher CI (1⋅31 ± 0⋅11 v. 1⋅28 ± 0⋅12; P = 0⋅011), AVI (20⋅24 ± 5⋅8 v. 18⋅33 ± 6⋅0; P < 0⋅001), BRI (2⋅00 ± 1⋅01 v. 1⋅70 ± 1⋅00; P = 0⋅003), WWI (11⋅00 ± 0⋅91 v. 10⋅80 ± 0⋅97; P = 0⋅032), and lower AIP (0⋅46 ± 0⋅33 v. 0⋅53 ± 0⋅33; P = 0⋅024). Total fat, saturated fat (SFA), and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) intake had a significant moderate correlation with AVI and BRI. The monounsaturated fat (MUFA) intake had a significantly weak correlation with CI, AVI, BRI, WWI, and AIP. Cholesterol and omega-6 had weak correlations with all indices. Similar correlations were seen among male and female participants. The different types of fat intake significantly affected obesity and coronary indices, especially SFA and PUFA, as well as omega-3 and cholesterol. Gender and the dietary type of fat intake have a relationship to influence the indicators of both obesity and coronary indices.

First Optimization of Tomato Pomace in Diets for Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Tomato pomace (TP), an agricultural industrial waste product from the tomato processing industry, is valorized as a rearing substrate for Tenebrio molitor (L.). This study evaluated bran-based diets with increasing tomato pomace (0%, 27%, 41%, and 100%). Protein sources, such as brewer's spent grain and yeast, were used in TP27 and TP41 diets to ensure equal protein contents to the control diet. Results showed no different for larval and pupal weights between diets; however, the time of development significantly increases in TP100 compared to all diets. The feed conversion rate progressively increases from 2.7 to 4.3, respectively, from the control to the TP100 diet. Conversely, lycopene and β-carotene increase in the larvae. The fatty acid composition improves by increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly α-linoleic acid). Although the best nutritional quality was obtained in T100, the TP41 is the optimal diet for balance between larval performance and qualitative improvement of larvae. Therefore, tomato pomace is suitable for the formulation of mealworm diets, even in high dosages, when supplemented with sustainable protein and carbohydrate sources.

Designing New Sport Supplements Based on Aronia melanocarpa and Bee Pollen to Enhance Antioxidant Capacity and Nutritional Value

With a high number of athletes using sport supplements targeting different results, the need for complex, natural and effective formulations represents an actual reality, while nutrition dosing regimens aiming to sustain the health and performance of athletes are always challenging. In this context, the main goal of this study was to elaborate a novel and complex nutraceutical supplement based on multiple bioactive compounds extracted from Aronia melanocarpa and bee pollen, aiming to support physiological adaptations and to minimize the stress generated by intense physical activity in the case of professional or amateur athletes. Our proposed formulations are based on different combinations of Aronia and bee pollen (A1:P1, A1:P2 and A2:P1), offering personalized supplements designed to fulfill the individual requirements of different categories of athletes. The approximate composition, fatty acid profile, identification and quantification of individual polyphenols, along with the antioxidant capacity of raw biological materials and different formulations, was performed using spectrophotometric methods, GS-MS and HPLC-DAD-MS-ESI+. In terms of antioxidant capacity, our formulations based on different ratios of bee pollen and Aronia were able to act as complex and powerful antioxidant products, highlighted by the synergic or additional effect of the combinations. Overall, the most powerful synergism was obtained for the A1:P2 formulation.

The relation between atherogenic index of plasma and cardiovascular outcomes in prediabetic individuals with unstable angina pectoris

BACKGROUND

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a novel biomarker associated with atherosclerosis, and an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, but its relation with cardiovascular prognosis in prediabetic patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) is still uncertain.

METHODS

This study included 1096 prediabetic patients with UAP who were subjected to follow-up for a maximum of 30 months, with cardiac death, refractory angina, and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) being the primary cardiovascular endpoints.

RESULTS

A significantly increased AIP was observed for the group with primary cardiovascular endpoints. Kaplan-Meier curves corresponding to these endpoints revealed pronounced differences between these two AIP groups (Log-rank P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses highlighted AIP as being independent related to this primary endpoint (HR 1.308, 95% CI: 1.213-1.412, P < 0.001). AIP addition to the baseline risk model improved the prediction of the primary endpoint (AUC: baseline model, 0.622, vs. baseline model + AIP, 0.739, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AIP could be used to predict cardiovascular events in prediabetic individuals with UAP.

Plasma fatty acid composition and some markers of dietary habits are associated with cardiovascular disease risk determined by an atherogenic plasma index in postmenopausal women

It is hypothesized that plasma proportion of selected fatty acids (FAs) and dietary habits are linked with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the association of plasma FA composition and markers of dietary habits with an atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a predictor of CVD risk in postmenopausal women. In total, 87 postmenopausal women with an average age of 57 ± 7 years were recruited and their dietary intake, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and FA status in total plasma lipid proportions were determined, showing that 65.5% of the participants had a high risk of CVD according to their AIP value. After adjusting for some confounders (age, body mass index, and physical activity level), the risk of CVD was only positively associated with the frequency of consumption of animal fat spreads (butter and lard) of terrestrial origin. Regarding the FA profile, CVD risk was positively associated with the percentages of vaccenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; mainly n-7) in total FA, as well as the MUFA/SFA ratio in total plasma and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-16 activity (16:1/16:0 ratio). In contrast, the risk of CVD was negatively associated with percentages of α-linolenic acid, total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and PUFA/MUFA ratio in total plasma lipid, and the estimated activity of Δ5-desaturase (20:4/20:3 n-6 ratio). These results support the current recommendations to decrease the frequency of animal fat spread intake because it is associated with a reduced CVD risk based on AIP in postmenopausal women. In accordance with these plasma percentages of ALA, vaccenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, PUFA, PUFA/MUFA ratio, and 16:1/16:0 ratio may be important parameters in CVD risk assessment.

The Association between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Review

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition caused by a combination of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMR). MetS leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), both of which place a burden on not only the patients but also the healthcare system. Diagnostic criteria for MetS vary, and there is no universal tool to detect it. Recently, many studies have found positive associations between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and some CMR factors. Therefore, a comprehensive review was needed to recapitulate these studies and qualitatively estimate the likelihood of AIP being associated with CMR. We aimed to review and summarise observational data on AIP and CMR factors and verify their association. Materials and Methods: A review of observational studies was conducted by searching “atherogenic index of plasma” in PubMed, One Search, and the Cochrane library. A total of 2068 articles were screened, and 32 were included after excluding paediatric, non-human and interventional studies, and those carried out on cohorts with conditions unrelated to MetS or on lipid-lowering medication. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess their quality. Results: Most studies that reported high waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG), insulin resistance (IR) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration, also reported high AIP. Few studies investigated blood pressure (BP) and some discrepancies existed between their results. Conclusion: AIP may be associated with WC, TG, IR, and HDL-C. It is unclear if AIP is associated with BP. The current study’s results should be used to inform futureward a meta-analysis to be seen quantitatively. It is also recommended that more cohort studies stratified by gender and ethnicity be performed to ascertain if AIP can predict MetS before it manifests.

Association of plant-based diets with adropin, atherogenic index of plasma, and metabolic syndrome and its components: A cross-sectional study on adults

Background

Little is known about the association of plant-based diet indices with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its novel predictive biomarkers, including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and adropin. We aimed to investigate the association of plant-based diets with adropin, atherogenic index of plasma, and MetS and its components in adults.

Methods

The present population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of adults aged 20-60 years in Isfahan, Iran. Dietary intake was obtained through a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Peripheral blood was obtained after an overnight fast of at least 12 h from each participant. MetS was identified based on the Joint Interim Statement (JIS). AIP was calculated as a logarithmically transformed ratio of triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and serum levels of adropin were measured by an ELISA kit.

Results

A total of 28.7% of subjects had MetS. No significant association was found between the overall plant-based diet index (PDI) and the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) with MetS. However, a non-linear association was observed between hPDI and MetS. Subjects in the third quartile of the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI) had higher odds of MetS compared to the first quartile (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.01, 5.66). The highest quartile of PDI (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.97) and the third quartile of hPDI (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.89) were associated with decreased odds of having high-risk AIP compared to the first quartile, after adjusting for potential confounders. No linear association was found between quartiles of plant-based diet indices and serum levels of adropin.

Conclusion

Plant-based diet index (PDI) and hPDI were not associated with the prevalence of MetS in adults, while moderate adherence to uPDI increased the prevalence of MetS. In addition, high adherence to PDI and moderate adherence to hPDI were associated with decreased odds of high-risk AIP. No significant association was found between plant-based diet indices and serum adropin levels. To confirm these findings, further studies with prospective designs are warranted.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Plant Polyphenol Extracts and Their Combined Effect with Flaxseed on Raw and Cooked Breast Muscle Fatty Acid Content, Lipid Health Indices and Oxidative Stability in Slow-Growing Sasso Chickens

Adding flaxseed was found to decrease oxidative stability in feed and increase the antioxidant needs of chicken. This has also been associated with a decrease in the nutritional value and oxidative stability of meat if sufficient dietary antioxidants are not included. Furthermore, dietary flaxseed has been explored in fast-growing chickens as such studies are limited with slow-growing chickens. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding plant polyphenol extracts as an antioxidant alongside flaxseed on fatty acid content, oxidative stability, and lipid health indices in breast muscle of slow-growing Sasso T451A dual-purpose chicken. A total of 126 chickens assigned to six groups (seven replicates of three) were fed on NC (control and no antioxidants), FS (75 g flaxseed and no antioxidants), VE8 (75 g flaxseed and 800 mg vitamin E), TS8 (75 g flaxseed and 800 mg Thymus schimperi), DA8 (75 g flaxseed and 800 mg Dodonaea angustifolia) and CD8 (75 g flaxseed and 800 mg Curcuma domestica) extract per kg diet. Feeding on CD8 and VE8 in raw and TS8, CD8 and VE8 diets in cooked breast muscle increased (p < 0.05) the C22:6n − 3 (DHA) and C20:5n − 3 (EPA) contents compared to the FS diet. Feeding FS increased (p < 0.05) the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in breast muscle, whereas TS8 in cooked and raw and CD8 and DA8 diets in raw breast muscle decreased it (p < 0.05). No added benefit was observed in feeding VE8 over plant extracts in terms of improving fatty acid composition and lipid health indices and reducing lipid oxidation in breast meat.

The Effect of Different Nutritional Education Models on Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors by Improving Dietary Fat Quality in Hemodialysis Patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common complication in hemodialysis patients. Nutritional education provided by dietitians could improve overall dietary quality and dietary fat quality to reduce the risk of CVD. However, no studies have investigated the relationship between dietary fat quality (using the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, or the h/H) and CVD risk factors in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the h/H and CVD risk factors, and further explore how nutritional education intervention models could improve dietary fat quality and CVD risk factors in hemodialysis patients. A quasi-experimental design was conducted from May 2019 to April 2021 on four groups, including ‘no course for patients and nurses’ as the non-C group, a “course for nurses” as the CN group, a “course for patients” as the CP group, and a “course for patients and nurses” as the CPN group. Nutritional education booklets based on a healthy eating index for hemodialysis patients were developed and provided to patients and nurses. Data of 119 patients were collected at baseline, intervention, and follow-up periods, including patients’ basic information, blood biochemical data, dietary content, and calculated h/H. The results showed that the h/H was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Compared with the non-C group, the CPN group was significantly higher in the h/H as well as HDL-C, and significantly lower in serum total cholesterol. In conclusion, the h/H was found to predict CVD risk factors, which helps in improving dyslipidemia. Nutritional education for both patients and nurses showed a beneficial impact on reducing CVD risks in hemodialysis patients.

Dietary acid load modifies the effects of ApoA2-265 T > C polymorphism on lipid profile and serum leptin and ghrelin levels among type 2 diabetic patients

This investigation with aimed the effect of APOA2-265 T > C polymorphism and dietary acid load (DAL) as either potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) intake interaction on metabolic markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In present cross-sectional study, 737 patients with T2DM (290 men and 447 women) were enlisted from diabetes centers in Tehran. The dietary intakes of all participants during the last year was acquired by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency (FFQ) questionnaire. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for genotyping the APOA2-265 T > C. Biochemical indises containing leptin, ghrelin, total cholesterol (Bailey et al., J Clin Invest 97:1147-1453, 1996), low-density lipoprotein cholestrol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholestrol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), high sensitivy C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), pentraxin-3 (PTX3), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and interleukin 18 (IL18) were measured by standard method. Atherogenic indices (AIP, AC, CR-I, CR-II) were calculated. The gene-diet interactions were evaluated using an GLM. The frequency overall prevalence of rs5082 genotypes was 63.82 and 36.17% for T-allele and C-allele respectively. TG, Ghrelin, and hs-CRP concentrations were significantly higher among carriers with C allele than TT homozygotes. However, TC/CC genotypes have lower PTX3 than TT homozygotes (P < 0.05). C-allele carriers had highest mean of BMI (P_NEAP=0.04, P_PRAL = 0.006), WC (P_NEAP=0.04, P_PRAL = 0.04), TC (P_NEAP=0.03, P_PRAL = 0.01), ghrelin (P_NEAP=0.01, P_PRAL = 0.04), and leptin (P_NEAP=0.04, P_PRAL = 0.03) when placed in top tertiles of NEAP and PRAL.BMI, WC, TC, ghrelin, and leptin levels may be modified in C carriers by decreasing DAL, though, further investigations are required to confirm these findings.

Fat Oxidation of Fatty Fish vs. Meat Meal Diets Under in vitro Standardized Semi-Dynamic Gastric Digestion

Meat and fish are introduced into the diet as a source of protein, but these muscle foods present different fatty acid (FA) compositions and different lipid stabilities. Fatty fish is expected to oxidize due to its higher content of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), whereas the higher heme-Fe content of red meat will also affect lipid stability. Combining other food ingredients within a meal also influences lipid oxidation, which will not stop after meals intake. This is due to the acidic environment of the stomach together with the presence of metallic ions, a process that is scarcely understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate the oxidation of fatty fish vs. meat meal diets under in vitro standardized semi-dynamic gastric conditions and FA release from the stomach to the duodenum. Meal diets composed by 25% beef meal (BM) or fatty fish meal (FM), 25% fried potatoes, and 50% sugar soft drink were prepared. Proximate composition, FA and amino acid profiles, and meals quality indices were evaluated. Their differences in composition led to different total gastric digestion time of 242.74 (BM) and 175.20 (FM) minutes. Using the INFOGEST semi-dynamic gastric model, 4 gastric emptying (GE) were simulated in both meals. In each GE, FA profile and lipid oxidation products (LOPs) formation were assessed. As a result, more than 50% FA release to the duodenum occurred in GE1, whose percentage decreased with the time of digestion. FM exhibited the highest LOPs formation, which corroborates the high peroxidizability index measured for this meal diet. Higher LOPs formation occurred in the later GEs, which released less FA. This suggests that higher times of residence in the stomach increase FA oxidation. This study shows a higher formation of LOPs during digestion of FM using a whole meal approach. These results relate to its richness in PUFAs compared to BM. Despite higher LOPs formation, FM digests that reached duodenum still contain higher content of unoxidized PUFAs compared with BM and a desirable ω3/ω6 PUFAs ratio of ~0.43. LOPs formation in PUFA-rich meals could be reduced if those meals have a low caloric value, avoiding large times of residence in the stomach and consequently high levels of oxidation.

Association between dietary fat quality indices with anthropometric measurements in children and adolescents

Background

The association between anthropometric measures and dietary fat quality indices is unclear in pediatric age groups. The present study aimed to assess the association between dietary lipophilic index (LI) and thrombogenic index (TI) as dietary fat quality indices with anthropometric measurements in children and adolescents.

Method

This nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted on 4323 students aged 6-18 years that were selected by multistage cluster sampling from 31 provinces of Iran. Dietary intake was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire and dietary LI and TI were calculated by formula. Data on anthropometric measures were collected by standard protocols.

Results

The multivariate regression analysis revealed that TI and LI had inverse association with neck circumference Z-score (β = 0.11, p = 0.013 and β = 0.12 p = 0.006, respectively). There was a positive correlation between LI with height Z-score (β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.01, p = 0.009). However, there was no significant association between LI and TI with other anthropometric indices (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The quality of dietary fats was associated with some anthropometric indices. Further large-scale studies are required to highlight the importance of dietary fat quality indices in relation to cardio-metabolic risk factors in pediatric age groups. Reducing intake of saturated fatty acids, increasing consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids and a balanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases risk factors are recommended.

Effect of Dietary Enrichment with Flaxseed, Vitamin E and Selenium, and of Market Class on the Broiler Breast Meat-Part 1: Nutritional and Functional Traits

The effect of dietary enrichment with flaxseed, selenium and vitamin E, and market class on the nutritional and functional value of breast meat was evaluated. A completely randomized block design was set up, where the experimental unit (n = 6000 birds) received conventional or enriched diet and was slaughtered at 37 (light class), 47 (medium class), or 57 (heavy class) days of life. Hence, functional and standard Pectoralis major muscles from every market class were analyzed for FA composition, inorganic elements and vitamin E. Lipid metabolism indices and health lipid indicators were assessed along with the nutritional value. A multiple linear model revealed that in breasts, the dietary treatment significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the FA profile, lipid metabolism and health lipid indices, while the slaughtering weight was related (p < 0.05) to most of elements (e.g., Na, Mg, K, Mn, and Se) and vitamin E. The interdependence of the two factors had strong relations (p < 0.05) with total PUFAs, including linolenic acid, desaturase activities, health lipid indices, trace essential elements and vitamin E. Consequently, enriched meat from heavy chickens showed the best functional and nutritional traits. Overall, the study pointed out that both market class and dietary manipulation are two relevant factors to consider for producing breast meat with higher nutritional and functional value.

Association between the Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acid Profile and Cognitive Function in the Overweight and Obese Population Aged from 45 to 75 Years Old

Dietary fatty acid intake is closely related to the cognitive function of the overweight and obese population. However, few studies have specified the correlation between exact fatty acids and cognitive functions in different body mass index (BMI) groups. We aimed to explain these relationships and reference guiding principles for the fatty acid intake of the overweight and obese population. Normal weight, overweight, and obese participants were recruited to receive a cognitive function assessment and dietary survey, dietary fatty acids intake was calculated, and the erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile was tested by performing a gas chromatography analysis. The percentages of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the obese group were higher, while monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were lower than in the normal weight and overweight groups. In the erythrocyte membrane, the increase of n-3 PUFAs was accompanied by cognitive decline in the overweight group, which could be a protective factor for cognitive function in the obese group. High n-6 PUFAs intake could exacerbate the cognitive decline in the obese population. Dietary fatty acid intake had different effects on the cognitive function of overweight and obese people, especially the protective effect of n-3 PUFAs; more precise dietary advice is needed to prevent cognitive impairment.

Chemical Characterization of Different Products from the Tunisian Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill

Various dried (by-)products from the Tunisian O. ficus-indica were elucidated for their proximate composition, fatty acid (FA) composition, inorganic elements, sugars, and polyphenols. Nopal and prickly pear peel and seeds were abundant in fiber (respectively, 28.39, 12.54, and 16.28%). Seeds had also high protein (17.34%) and may be source of an edible oil, due to lipids (9.65%) poor in saturated FAs (14.12%) and rich in linoleic acid (61.11%). Nopal and peel showed the highest levels of Mg (493.57 and 345.19 mg/100 g), K (6949.57 and 1820.83 mg/100 g), Mn (59.73 and 46.86 mg/Kg) and Fe (23.15 and 15.23 mg/Kg), while the fruit pulp predominantly constituted of sugars, glucose and arabinose being predominant (42.57 and 13.56 g/100 g). Total polyphenols widely varied among the Opuntia products (108.36–4785.36 mg GAE/100 g), being mainly represented by hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, and flavonoids as well. In particular, peel may be revalorized for these valuable bioactives, including 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (484.95 mg/100 g), cinnamic acid (318.95 mg/100 g), rutin (818.94 mg/100 g), quercetin (605.28 mg/100 g), and several isorhamnetin and kaempferol glycosides. Overall, the Tunisian prickly pear cactus could encourage a sustainable production, an effective waste management, and may provide several benefits for human health, in accordance with the model of the Mediterranean diet.

Evidence for the atherogenic index of plasma as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular disease in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is known to be accompanied with increased cardiovascular mortality, which causes reduced life expectancy.

AIM

The aim of the current study was to investigate if atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) could be a good marker in assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

Patients with schizophrenia (n = 328) and healthy controls (n = 141) were recruited. Schizophrenia patients were evaluated according to the presence of antipsychotic (AP) drug use as AP(+)Sch group and AP(-)Sch group. Atherogenic indices, such as AIP, Castelli's risk index-I (CRI-I), Castelli's risk index-II (CRI-II), and atherogenic coefficient (AC), were calculated according to the laboratory examination of serum lipid parameters.

RESULTS

According to the comparison of serum lipid levels, triglyceride (TG) levels were found to be highest and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were lowest in AP(+)Sch group than AP(-)Sch group and control group (CG) (p < 0.001). AIP, CRI-I, and CRI-II scores were found to be significantly higher in AP(+)Sch group than AP(-)Sch group, and in AP(-)Sch than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Mean AC scores were higher in AP(+)Sch group than both AP(-)Sch and CG and were similar in AP(-)Sch and control subjects (p < 0.001). According to the correlation analysis, AIP scores were positively correlated with duration of disease (r = 0.235; p = 0.002) and age (r = 0.226; p = 0.003) in AP(+)Sch group but not in drug-free subjects. In all groups, atherogenic indices of CRI-I, CRI-II, and AC scores were found to be positively correlated with AIP scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that AIP is an easily calculable and reliable marker for determining the CVD risk in both drug-free schizophrenia patients and patients under AP treatment.

Visceral adiposity index and atherogenic index of plasma as useful predictors of risk of cardiovascular diseases: evidence from a cohort study in Iran

Background

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) are relatively new indicators for predicting non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, the present study was done to assess the association of AIP and VAI with risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 7,362 individuals aged between 35 and 65 years old participated in Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD) cohort study. AIP was calculated based on levels of triglyceride and high -density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). VAI was calculated using values of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglyceride, and HDL-C. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of AIP and VAI with risk of CVDs.

Results

Mean values of anthropometric indices, lipid profile, AIP, and VAI were significantly higher in patients with CVDs than individuals without CVDs (P < 0.001). Mean values of anthropometric indices, lipid profile, and NCDs including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and CVDs in the third tertile of AIP and VAI were significantly increased compared to the first tertile (P < 0.001). After adjusting confounding factors, risk of CVDs in the third tertile of AIP was (OR = 1.32, 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.69) significantly increased compared to the first tertile. Risk of CVDs in the third tertile of VAI was (OR = 1.48, 95 % CI: 1.12, 1.97) significantly increased compared to the first tertile.

Conclusions

According to the findings, AIP and VAI were positively associated with risk of CVDs. Therefore, AIP and VAI can be useful in identifying high-risk subgroups of CVDs in general population.

Hesperidin and Naringin Improve Broiler Meat Fatty Acid Profile and Modulate the Expression of Genes Involved in Fatty Acid β-oxidation and Antioxidant Defense in a Dose Dependent Manner

The beneficial properties of the flavanones hesperidin and naringin as feed additives in poultry have lately been under investigation. In broilers, both flavanones have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties while their individual effects on fatty acid (FA) composition and the underlying molecular mechanisms of their activity have not been explored. Here, we studied their effects on broiler meats' FA profiles and on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory function. The experimental design comprised six treatment groups of broilers, each supplemented from day 11 until slaughter at 42 days with hesperidin, naringin or vitamin E, as follows: the E1 group received 0.75 g of hesperidin per kg of feed, E2 received 1.5 g hesperidin/kg feed, N1 received 0.75 g naringin/kg feed, N2 received 1.5 g naringin/kg feed, vitamin E (VE) received 0.2 g a-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed, and the control group was not provided with a supplemented feed. The VE treatment group served as a positive control for antioxidant activity. An analysis of the FA profiles of the abdominal adipose tissue (fat pad), major pectoralis (breast) and biceps femoris (thigh) muscles showed that both hesperidin and naringin had significant effects on saturated FA (SFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and omega n-6 content. Both compounds reduced SFA and increased PUFA and n-6 content, as well as reducing the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices in the breast muscle and fat pad. The effects on the thigh muscle were limited. An analysis of gene expression in the liver revealed that naringin significantly increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) and glutathione disulfide reductase (GSR) expression. In the breast muscle, both hesperidin and naringin increased fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression and hesperidin increased the expression of adiponectin. In brief, both hesperidin and naringin supplementation beneficially affected FA profiles in the breast meat and fat pad of broiler chicken. These effects could be attributed to an increase in FA β-oxidation since the increased expression of related genes (PPARα and ACOX1) was observed in the liver. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of hesperidin and naringin previously observed in the meat of broilers could be attributed, at least partly, to the regulation of antioxidant defense genes, as evidenced by the increased GSR expression in response to naringin supplementation.